All Men’s Sheds in Macarthur will benefit from the Father’s Day announcement to secure funding for the organisation until 2019.
To provide certainty, the federal government has guaranteed funding for Men’s Sheds for a further three years to 2019.
It will allow Men’s Sheds to maintain their shed, buy new tools or start new projects, says the Member for Macarthur, Russell Matheson.
“Our local Men’s Sheds play a very important role in our community to keep men active and contributing to their mental health and physical wellbeing,” Mr Matheson said.
“This is great news for the sheds and the men who use them.”
The $4.5 million commitment over the next three years will also assist the Australian Men’s Sheds Association to develop and maintain relationships and linkages with health providers and employ strategies to more effectively reach and engage men.
Mr Matheson said Men’s Sheds reduced social isolation, particularly for older men and people living in rural and remote areas.
All sheds are eligible to apply for funding under the National Shed Development Program (NSDP).
Grants are awarded on a competitive basis up to a total of $8,000 (GST exclusive), with priority given to sheds in disadvantaged areas.
Sheds are able to apply for up to a total of $8,000 across three funding categories – tools, equipment, community projects and training; building maintenance and development; and health improvement activities.
Applications for grants are assessed by the Australian Men’s Shed Association, in accordance with guidelines agreed by the Department of Health.
Applications for grants to Round 11 of the NSDP have closed since September 18.
